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4-H youth put a face on the future of agriculture

DJ Cain Julia Heller National Ag Day Student leaders
Two teens will represent Illinois 4-H at the 2021 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program. Pictured (left) DJ Cain and Julia Heller

URBANA, Ill.  - Two teens will represent Illinois 4-H at the 2021 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program. This program from the Agriculture Council of America prepares and engages young people to raise awareness of the importance of the agricultural industry and its impact on our nation’s society and economy.

DJ Cain of Knox County and Julia Heller of Ogle County will represent Illinois 4-H when the program is held virtually in March 2021.

“We are exceptionally proud to have two of our Illinois 4-H members selected to represent Illinois,” says Katie Duitsman, 4-H leadership youth development extension specialist. “4-H civic engagement and leadership programs strive to bring youth voices to the table, and this event will be a great opportunity for DJ and Julia to advocate for the agriculture industry with our elected officials while networking with other aspiring agriculture leaders from across the country.” 

Both teens have a passion for agriculture. Heller has served as a State 4-H Livestock ambassador, promoting 4-H livestock projects, and was active in planning the State 4-H Jr. Livestock Conference.

“Julia has made a mark on Illinois 4-H and continues to provide leadership, and is respected by her peers,” says Tina Veal, 4-H alumni and constituent engagement manager. “She has not only excelled in her 4-H project work, but also has a strong interest in animal and vet science projects.” 

Heller plans to study animal sciences at University of Illinois and hopes to become a veterinarian one day.

Cain began raising Cornish-cross chickens at age 10 as a 4-H project. Today, he has expanded his meat poultry business, DJ Cain Poultry, to nearly 800 head. He successfully raised and sold 1,380 birds in 2020. DJ credits 4-H with preparing him for the business and work aspects of his entrepreneurial venture. DJ continues to build his poultry business while a college student at University of Illinois, majoring in agriculture.

Representatives will participate in a series of virtual sessions that include special governmental guests, experts, and advocates in the ag industry with the goal of empowering youth representatives to become the face of the future of agriculture. 

Source: Jennifer Pickett, President Agriculture Council of America
WriterCarissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H helps youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.

About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

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